Shoshone-Bannock Indian Festival

Held Since 1964

In August 1964, the former Recreation Director Reeves Nawoosky (Comanche) planned a year end celebration after a successful summer of recreation activities in Fort Hall. The event was called a social powwow that drew in many young and old dancers and local drum groups to celebrate.

Crystal Dawn Ariwite, Miss Shoshone-Bannock 2017-2018

As a young Agai Dika Shoshone woman, I have been blessed by creator Duma Uppa with a loving and caring family. My mother has blessed me with strong, knowledgeable brothers, rich in culture and tradition. Late Dominick, Riley, Tony, Dontay and Evan along with many, many extended brothers and sisters. I believe that with strong family support along with family and friends all dreams and denewap: our way of life and through education all great thing are possible. With a strong work ethic and drive we may accomplish and flourish throughout our tribes. Through our strong tribal traditions and love for one another we will keep our culture and traditions alive!
Throughout my academic journey I have experienced much, I have been a member of the Native American Indian Club, representing as a member and as a president for a brief time as I graduated early in my senior year of high school. I also had the opportunity to serve as president, and as a district president of Future Career and Community Leaders of America throughout my high school career. Our Culinary Arts Program went to District and then to State Competition, returning with a Bronze Star, we place third in the State of Idaho. I was nominated as Blackfoot High School Homecoming Queen, held various pow-wow royalty attendant titles. Volleyball is my sport next to watching my brothers practice and play basketball, track, baseball and football.
I coordinated and planned with Alexandria Alvarez the modeling line up and fashion design of an invited artist for the North West Indian Youth Conference. As a model I have walked the run way modeling the clothing line for Sun Rose Iron Shell and also had the opportunity to model for the Bannock Tribal Dress Historial Clothing Show: Round One and Two, coordinated by Yvette Tuell in 2015 and 2016. I was in awe of the beautiful tribal dress of our ancestors!
As I attend Pow-wows, my dance style is Jingle Dance, I have danced exhibitions of Fancy Shawl and Jingle Dress categories, been a judge, I danced as Head Lady Dancer for Shoshone-Bannock Jr/Sr High School in 2014 and Fort Hall Elementary in 2015. As an emcee I worked with Supa Man at the North West Indian Youth Conference and also served as emcee for the Fort Hall Elementary Royalty Pageant in 2015.
As I attended high school I had opportunities to speak at Fort Hall Elementary on the “Importance of Education”. Today as I attend college at Austin Kade Academy in Pocatello, Idaho, I have many opportunities to expand my knowledge in the beauty world, in Spring of 2016, I participated in the “Hair Show” by making an out fits and a catipillar for Alice and Wonderland, it was held at the Civic Auditorium in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
A few of my hobbies and interests are drawing, shading with pen, pencil and charcoal, writing in my journal, reading, beading earrings, bracelets and neclaces, sew ribbon dresses, shirts, jingle dresses and grass outfits for my family members, babysitting for family and friends, play various video games with brothers, family outings and barbeques, dance the Jingle Dress dance style at pow-wows, and our traditional salmon hunting.
I attended pre-school and head start at the Early Child Development Center in Fort Hall, Idaho, Fort Hall Elementary, I.T.Stoddard, Blackfoot Sixth Grade, Middle View Mountain School, Blackfoot High School and currently attending college at Austin Kade Academy. Upon graduation I will use my professional license to earn extra nupias (money) as I further my education at Idaho State University. Upon graduating, it is my hope to return to my people and give back to my community, the people of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes!
As Miss Shoshone-Bannock my platform message will be: DENEWAP:OUR WAY OF LIFE and ENCOURAGE EDUCATION AT ALL LEVELS. By doing so I will visit area schools to read, speak, dance cook share language and song. I will be a voice for our Native Youth, I will let all know that language and our ceremonies are alive!

One of a Kind Pageant

The cultural pageant was the first of its kind and considered to be a prestigious new title for young Shoshone-Bannock women. Each contestant wore their finest handmade deer skin dresses and family beadwork. The winner held the title for one year where she relinquished her title the following year at the powwow. It wasn’t until the late 1970’s, where the winner was given a fully beaded ‘Miss Shoshone-Bannock’ sash and matching turquoise crown with the Shoshone rose to wear throughout her reign.

Original Crown in Museum

Today, the beaded sash is still worn but in 2006 the original crown was retired and is presently housed at the local Tribal museum. Each contestant competes every August in the areas of: public speaking, personal interview, traditional dish, traditional dance and a traditional talent. Miss Shoshone-Bannock is a Tribal ambassador and role model for the younger generations.

Miss Shoshone-Bannock 2017 – 2018

Miss Shoshone-Bannock

Crystal Ariwite will serve as a role model for the native youth, as well as an ambassador for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes.

Miss Shoshone-Bannock

Festival Princess

One of the Best Powwows in Indian Country!

Shoshone-Bannock Festival Map

Explore Culture, Food, Dancing

Fort Hall Indian Relay

The Indian Relay races have long since been a part of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes culture. The sport actually originated here on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation over a hundred years ago. Many families that participated in the sport decades ago are still participating and passing this legacy on from generation to generation.

The Indian Relay teams consist of three horses and four team members (1 rider, 1 catcher (Mugger), and 2 holders). The rider must complete a lap with each horse riding bareback. The rider must dismount without any help from their team mates and without losing control of their horses.
Explore Relay Racing and other events at our Interactive Events Calendar.

Shoshone-Bannock Festival Disclaimer

Shoshone Bannock Tribes, the Fort Hall Rodeo and Festival Committees are not responsible for accidents, divorces, marriages, lost/stolen items. The Festival Events are family oriented events. Drugs, Alcohol and Weapons are NOT ALLOWED! Violator’s will be reported to the proper authorities. The Shoshone-Bannock Festival & Tribes will not be held responsible for any damages, theft, injuries or accidents sustained while on the premises or while participating in any and all Festival activities that may occur through negligence by the individual, spectator(s), friend(s), and/or relatives. Image/performance are to be used by the Shoshone-Bannock Festival and the Media/Press, for video/film/ photography/etc., for the purpose of promotions, news, archival and other press/media related items.